The Daniel Topolski Boathouse was officially opened at the Haenertsburg Trout Association (HTA) on Friday afternoon, November 16.
Among those in attendance were Sizwe Lawrence Ndlovu, a South African rower who won a gold medal in the men’s lightweight coxless four event at the 2012 Summer Olympics and Richard Fishlock, a British rower who competed in the men’s eight event at the 1960 Summer Olympics. Fishlock flew out from England especially for the opening ceremony.
The boathouse was the brainchild of local rowing enthusiast Val Blacking, who first saw the potential for rowing on the Ebenezer Dam back in 2015 but realised that there was no infrastructure in place to support the sport.
“All the boats were damaged because there was nowhere to store them,” Blacking told the LETABA HERALD.
He approached Richard Fishlock for assistance to raise funds for the project, with the plan being to build a structure that could house 4-man boats.
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However, Fishlock insisted that if they were going to build a boathouse, they must do it properly from the get-go and suggested that a structure be built that could house ‘eights’ as well (a boat designed for eight rowers).
The project was financially supported by Hugh Matheson, a well-known name in the rowing fraternity as well as an anonymous donor.
In addition to the funds for the physical structure, boats for two, four and eight rowers were also donated which were shipped out from England.
One particular challenge that Blacking faced with the planned build was finding a suitable location for the boathouse. After exploring many avenues, Blacking was put in contact with Giordano ‘Zamps’ Zamparini, the HTA Chairman who welcomed the build on the HTA premises with open arms.
The boathouse was named after Daniel Topolski, who was a British author, rower, rowing coach and commentator on BBC television. He coached the Oxford University Boat Club crew on fifteen occasions, leading them to victory twelve times, including a ten-win streak.
Blacking urges people from the Tzaneen, Haenertsburg and surrounding area to get involved in the sport of rowing and can contact him (after 15:00) for more information on 078 800 1299 or via email: val.blacking@vodamail.co.za
